We are the Lowestoft Self Build Association. We were formed by members of the local community to support the growing number of people who are interested in building their own homes in Lowestoft and the surrounding area.
Lowestoft is filled with plots of land which have been lying dormant for years, while housing continues to be in short supply.
Waveney District Council estimates that at least 7,000 and possibly up to 9,500 new homes will need to be built in the town in the next 20 years to keep up with demand. Though the Councils new Local Plan contains proposals to push new builds in Waveney, it will need to double the rate of building in order to address the chronic shortfall.
We believe that self-built homes offer a community-led response to this problem, and we want to help our members to regenerate the town and help solve the Lowestoft housing shortage. To help local self-builders make a real impact on the town, we provide support, advocacy, and guidance to make every stage of building your own home easier.
But is self-build a good idea for you? If you want to get on the property ladder, but you’re struggling to find the right property, or you’re worried about the long-term expense, then building your own home offers an attractive alternative to conventional routes. By building your home for yourself, you can save money in both the short and long term, and get a house thats made to your exact tastes and requirements.
The National Custom and Self Build Association reports that there are six million people in the UK who would like to build their own homes, and we've spoken with many keen Lowestoft self- builders who are itching to get started on their grand designs. However, Waveney District Council has reported a surprisingly low rate of registration. If, like us, you believe that self-building is the future of the property industry, then registering with Waveney District Council is of vital importance. The more people show their interest, the more seriously the council will take Lowestoft’s self-build movement.
The government recognised the growing demand for self-built homes last year with the passing of the Self Build and Custom Housing Act of 2015. According to the Act, local authorities must keep a register of individuals and associations interested in acquiring plots of land for self-building projects. This is great for the many people who want to build their own home, however, the Act is limited in one key area: While it places a duty on the council to 'have regard to those registers in carrying out planning; it does not mandate a register of landowners or ask councils to link plots and projects. This means that even if you register, the council may not be able to find you a suitable plot.
That’s where LSBA come in.
By bringing landowners and self-builders together, and matching project to plot, we are able to provide a unique route into self-building. Because we actively seek out land in Lowestoft and provide our members with access to a register of suitable plots, we can save you time, money and hassle and give you the freedom of choice you want.
We formed the Lowestoft Self Build Association to provide advice, support, and a collective voice for Lowestoft’s self-building community, and we can offer you all the support you need to navigate the application and planning processes, as well as helping to secure finance for building.
We believe that self-building is a great solution for prospective homeowners and landowners alike. By joining our local network of self-builders and landowners, self-builders get the perfect plot, while landowners can take advantage of an an expanding new market for sales.
The first step towards your self-built future is to register your interest with Waveney District Council. Once you’re signed up, you are eligible to join our association and take advantage of our network of local self-building resources.
If you’re looking for help and advice on any aspect of self-building, visit us at www.lsba.co.uk and let us help you to bring your grand design to life.
Please register your interest for self in self build with Waveney District Council by visiting THIS PAGE and of course register with us here at Lowestoft Self Build Association
